Tooth Care Implement

ABSTRACT

A combination tooth care implement comprising a handle unit and a pivoting arm having first and second ends at which respective ends a tooth brush head and a single-use dental floss head are releasably mounted. The arm can be pivoted between first and second positions with respect to the handle unit. In the first position, a portion of the arm containing the tooth brush head extends away from the handle such that the implement can be used as a toothbrush, and the remaining portion containing the dental floss head is concealed in a cavity provided in the handle unit such that the dental floss head does not interfere with the function of the tooth brush. In the second position, the arm is pivoted such that the tooth brush head and the dental floss head switch positions and the implement can be used as a dental floss. A lock means is provided for locking the arm in the first or second position with respect to the handle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and is entitled to the filing date ofGreat Britain patent application Ser. No. 0813766.3 filed Jul. 28, 2008,and entitled “A Tooth Care Implement.” The contents of theaforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tooth care implement and inparticular to a combination tooth care implement that contains more thanone tooth care attachment, such as, but not limited thereto a toothbrushhead and a dental floss head.

2. Description of Related Art

Numerous dental care implements are known in the art, the most commonbeing a toothbrush. Toothbrushes are provided in many different designsand configurations. The other common daily dental care implementincludes dental floss which is usually available wound on a reel.Disposable dental floss brackets are also available which comprises aY-shaped bracket having a length of dental floss taught between the freeends of the bracket. In recent years, many other dental care implementshave been designed and made available on the market. Using and keepingvarious tooth care implements separately is awkward and inconvenient formany users. Combination toothbrushes are known that include a toothbrush head and a handle having an internal compartment for storing areel of dental floss. However, not all users prefer the reeled versionof dental floss. Therefore, there is still a need in the art for animproved combination tooth care implement.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varyingjurisdictions be provided with either an exclusive or inclusive meaning.For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise notedexplicitly, the term comprise shall have an inclusive meaning that itmay be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components itdirectly references, but also other non-specified components.Accordingly, the term ‘comprise’ is to be attributed with as broad aninterpretation as possible within any given jurisdiction and thisrationale should also be used when the terms ‘comprised’ and/or‘comprising’ are used.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide acombination tooth care implement that alleviates the drawbacks of theprior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides a tooth care implement comprising

-   -   a handle unit comprising a grippable base portion and shaft        portion extending therefrom, the shaft portion having a free end        remote from the grippable base portion; and    -   an arm having first and second ends, and a tooth care attachment        mounted at each end; the arm being pivotally coupled with the        handle unit adjacent the free end of the shaft portion such that        the arm can be moved between first and second positions with        respect to the shaft portion of the handle unit, such that    -   in the first position a portion of the arm containing the first        tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the        handle unit such that the first tooth care attachment can be        used, and the remaining portion containing the second tooth care        attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the        handle unit; and    -   in the second position a portion of the arm containing the        second tooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion        of the handle unit such that the second tooth care attachment        can be used, and the remaining portion containing the first        tooth care attachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion        of the handle unit.

In a preferred modification the arm is pivotally coupled with the handleunit at a location intermediate the first and second ends of the arm,such that the arm can pivot easily between the first and secondpositions.

Preferably, the arm is releasably coupled with the handle unit.

In one arrangement, the arm is coupled with the handle unit viainterengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on the handleunit, such as for example, but not limited thereto, a pin or a screwarrangement or a resiliently deformable snap fit and release coupling.

In one embodiment, the handle unit defines a cavity for accommodatingthe portion of the arm positioned adjacent the handle unit together withthe tooth care attachment attached thereto, such that said portion ofthe arm is recessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unitthereby concealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the othertooth care attachment is in a ready to use position. Since the toothcare attachment concealed in such a manner does not interfere with thefunction of the other tooth attachment at the other end of the arm, suchan arrangement dispenses with the need to remove the unemployed toothcare attachment when the other attachment is in use. Thus, the two toothcare attachments can remain attached to the arm at all times duringregular use and the user does not have to detach and re-attach theattachment for each use save for replacing worn attachments asnecessary.

In one embodiment, the shaft portion of the handle unit comprises a pairof prongs each prong having a free end, the cavity being defined as thespace between a pair of opposing inner faces of the pair of prongs. Thearm is preferably pivotally mounted between free ends of the prongs,such that in the first and second positions one portion of the armcontaining the unemployed tooth care attachment is accommodated in thespace between the prongs and the other portion of the arm with the othertooth care attachment extends away from the free ends of the prongs inthe ready to use position.

In one modification, the fastening means between the arm and the prongscomprises an axle about which the arm can pivot. Conveniently the axleis inserted through suitably sized and shaped bores formed through eachprong and the arm. An example of a suitable axle, but not limitedthereto, is any one of a screw, pin or rod.

In a further modification, the fastening means comprises a pair of pinsprovided on a pair of opposing outer faces of the arm, the pins beingengageable with corresponding through bores formed in the prongs.Optionally the pins could be integrally formed with the arm, thusforming projecting members on opposing outer faces of the arm.Preferably, a slot is formed between the interior of the through boreand outer surface of a prong transversely in relation to the bore,thereby defining a pair of resiliently deformable flaps, such that thepin or projecting members of the arm can access the through borelaterally through the slot. A suitable cap is preferably provided forplacing over a free end of each pin for securing the pin in engagementwith the corresponding prong.

In a still further modification, the fastening means comprises a pair ofprojecting members provided on a pair of opposing outer faces of thearm. Optionally the projecting members are integrally formed with thearm. Preferably a U-shaped channel is formed at the free end of eachprong, wherein the projecting members pass through the opening of theU-shaped channel to seat into the base of the U-shaped channel. Atapered member is preferably formed on each of the opposing inner facesof each prong extending from the free end of each prong towards thegrippable base portion such that the distance between the opposing innerfaces of the prongs diminishes from the free end of each prong to thegrippable base portion. Conveniently in this arrangement, the arm andtapered member are complimentary shaped such that the projecting membersare unable to seat correctly within the U-shaped channel unless the armand prongs are in correct alignment. In this arrangement, when the armand prongs are in correct alignment the tapered member resilientlyengages with a portion of the arm thereby locking the arm in positionwith respect to the handle unit.

In yet another modification, the fastening means comprises a key memberprovided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm. Each key memberis preferably engageable with a corresponding slot formed in a rotatingreceiver rotatably mounted in a seat defined at the free end of eachprong. Another slot is formed extending between the seat of the receiverand outer surface of the prong such that when the slot of the receiveris aligned with the slot in the prong, the key can be engaged with theslot of the receiver by passing it through the second slot. Ideally, thekeys are located on the arm in such orientation that when the keysengage with the aligned slots in the prongs and in the receiver, the armis positioned with respect to the handle unit in a third position,intermediate the first and second positions of the arm. On rotation ofthe arm from this intermediate position towards the first or the secondposition, the slots of the receiver misalign with the slots of theprongs and thereby secure the arm in the engagement with the prongs inany position of the arm with respect to the prongs, other than theintermediate position of the arm.

In a most preferred embodiment, the handle unit comprises a lock meansconfigured for releasably locking the arm in the first or the secondposition with respect to the handle unit.

In one arrangement, the locking means comprises a catch arrangementconfigured for releasably fastening the portion of the arm positionedadjacent the handle unit.

In one variation, the catch arrangement comprises a snap fit and releasemechanism comprising a resiliently deformable member formed on each ofthe inner opposing faces of the prongs such that when the arm enters thecavity the two resiliently deformable members deform and resilientlyengage the arm thereby locking the arm with respect to the handle unit.

In another variation the catch arrangement is formed at the point ofattachment of the arm to the handle unit. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that many other releasable lock arrangementsare possible within the scope of the present invention for releasablylocking the arm in the first or second positions with respect to thehandle unit. Ideally, each of the first and second ends of the armcomprises a means for releasably engaging with a tooth care attachmentthereby enabling a user to replace the tooth care attachment whendesired.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit defines an internal chamberadapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachments.

More preferably, a holder means is provided in the internal chamber, theholder means being configured for holding the one or more of tooth careattachments.

Preferably, the holder means comprises a rack shaft extending along theinternal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positions forholding tooth care attachments.

In one modification, the grippable base portion of the handle unitcomprises a tubular wall and the internal chamber is defined by thetubular wall.

In a further arrangement, the grippable base portion and the shaftportion of the handle unit are releasably engageable to form the handleunit. The engagement and release of the grippable base portion and theshaft can be achieved in many ways apparent to those skilled in the art,such as for example a thread or a resiliently deformable snap fit andrelease coupling.

In another arrangement, the shaft portion comprises a rack shaftattached thereto, such that when the shaft portion and the grippablebase portion are engaged, the rack shaft enters the internal chamberthrough an open end of the grippable base portion and the open end isblocked by the body of the shaft portion.

In a further arrangement the grippable base portion comprises an openend remote from the shaft portion. In this arrangement the rack shaftcomprises a removable insert that enters the internal chamber throughthe open end of the grippable base portion thereby closing the grippablebase portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the tooth care attachment at the first end ofthe arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment atthe second end of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head. Thedental floss head is preferably a single use head which comprises abracket member having a length of dental floss taught thereon. It willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the invention is notlimited to the combination of the tooth brush head and the dental flosshead. Indeed, a combination of any tooth care attachments, of differentor the same type is contemplated within the scope of the presentinvention.

The above described arrangement provides a combination tooth careimplement that has more than one tooth care attachment, preferably, butnot limited thereto, of a different type, and which provides the userwith the convenience of having the two attachments readily available atall times without the need to detach and re-attach the differentattachments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings which show by way of example only, embodiments ofa tooth care implement according to the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a combination tooth care implementaccording to the invention, comprising a tooth brush attachment and adental floss head attachment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the tooth care implement of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth careimplement of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively rear and side elevations of a shaftportion of the handle unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a modification of the shaft portion ofFIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a section of a shaft portion of FIGS. 5to 7 showing a rack shaft holding a plurality of tooth care attachments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a grippable base portion of a handleunit of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of modifications of the rack shaftof FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modification of the grippable baseportion of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective views of variations of fastening meansfor coupling a rotating arm of the tooth care implement of the inventionto the handle unit thereof;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation of a further embodiment of a combinationtooth care implement according to the invention;

FIG. 16 a is an exploded perspective view of a handle unit and removableinsert of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16wherein the arm portion is out of alignment with the shaft portion;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation of the tooth care implement of FIG. 16wherein the arm portion is in alignment with the shaft portion;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a handle unit of the tooth careimplement of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the toothcare implement of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the toothcare implement of FIG. 16 when out of alignment; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the arm and handle unit of the toothcare implement of FIG. 16 when in alignment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, a tooth care implement of theinvention is indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The tooth careimplement 1 comprises a handle unit 2 (see also FIG. 4) which comprisesa grippable base portion 3 and a shaft portion 4 extending from thegrippable base portion 3. The grippable base portion 3 and the shaftportion 4 are releasably engageable. The shaft portion 4 comprises apair of prongs 5, each prong 5 having a free end 5 a. A cavity 6 isdefined between inner opposing faces 5 b of the prongs 5.

An arm 7 is pivotally releasably engaged with the free ends 5 a of theprongs 5. The arm 7 has first and second ends 7 a, 7 b and is engagedwith the prongs 5 at a point intermediate the ends 7 a, 7 b. A toothcare attachment is mounted at each end 7 a, 7 b.

In the presently described embodiment, the tooth care attachment mountedat the first end 7 a comprises a toothbrush head 8, and the tooth careattachment mounted at the second end 7 b of the arm 7 comprises a dentalfloss head 9. The dental floss head 9 is a single-use head and comprisesa bracket member 9 a having a length of dental floss 9 b taughtthereacross (see FIG. 8).

The arm 7 is engaged with the prongs 5 such that the arm 7 can berotated between first and second positions with respect to the handleunit 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in a first position a portion of thearm 7 containing the tooth brush head 8 extends away from the free ends5 a of the prongs 5 and from the handle unit 2. At the same time, theportion of the arm 7 on the other side of the rotation axis of the arm 7and containing the dental floss head 9 is accommodated in the cavity 6between the prongs 5. In this position, the tooth brush head 8 is in aready to use mode, and the dental floss head 9 is concealed within thecavity 6. Likewise, in a second position (not shown) a portion of thearm 7 containing the dental floss head 9 extends away from the free ends5 a of the prongs 5 and from the handle unit 2 whilst the tooth brushhead 8 and the relevant portion of the arm 7 are concealed within thecavity 6. The cavity 6 is sized and shaped for concealing the unemployedarm portion together with the tooth care attachment attached thereto ina manner that the concealed attachment does not interfere with thefunction of the other tooth attachment at the other end of the arm 7.This arrangement eliminates the need to remove the unemployed tooth careattachment in order to use the other tooth care attachment so that thetwo tooth care attachments remain attached to the arm 7 at all timesduring regular use.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the handle unit 2 comprises a snap fit andrelease lock 10 for releasably locking the arm 7 in the first or thesecond position with respect to the handle unit 2. The snap fit andrelease lock 10 comprises a resiliently deformable lip 11 formed on eachthe inner opposing inner faces 5 b of the prongs 5 for engaging the arm7. When the arm 7 enters the cavity 6, the lips 11 resiliently deformunder the external force applied to the arm 7 so that the arm 7 iscaught between the lips 11. The resilient force of the lips 11 acting onthe arm 7 is sufficient to retain the arm 7 in place during the use ofthe other tooth care attachment. In order to move the arm 7 into thesecond position, continued application of an external force to the arm 7deforms the lips 11 and releases the arm 7.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the grippable base portion 3 of the handleunit 2 comprises a tubular wall which defines an internal chamber 12 andan open end 12 a. As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, the shaft portion 4comprises a rack shaft 14 extending from a base portion 4 a of the shaftportion 4. When the shaft portion 4 and the grippable base portion 3 areengaged, the rack shaft 14 enters the internal chamber 12 and the openend 12 a of the internal chamber is blocked by the base portion 4 a ofthe shaft portion 4. The rack shaft 14 comprises a plurality ofpositions in the form of recesses 14 a for holding a plurality of dentalfloss heads 9. FIG. 8 shows a modification of the rack 14 which has therecesses 14 a formed along one side of the shaft 14 and the dental flossheads 9 are held in the recesses such that the bracket 9 and the floss 9a surround the rack shaft 14. FIG. 10 shows another modification of therack 14 which has the recesses 14 a are formed in a staggered manneralong two opposing sides of the shaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9are held in the recesses 14 a in the same manner as in FIG. 8. In themodification of the rack shaft 14 shown in FIG. 11, the rack shaft isattached to the base portion 4 a at a location offset from the centre ofthe base portion 4 a. The recesses 14 a are formed along one side of theshaft 14 and the dental floss heads 9 are held in the recesses 14 a suchthat the dental floss heads 9 extend laterally from the shaft 14 inalignment with the base portion 4 a.

In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 16 and 16 a,the grippable base portion 3 comprises a tubular wall defining an innerchamber 120 with an open end 120 b remote from the shaft portion 4. Aremovable insert 100 comprising a rack shaft 140 is housed in the innerchamber 120. The base 100 b of the removable insert 100 closes the openend 120 b of the inner chamber 120. It is understood that the rack shaft140 comprises a plurality of positions in the form of recesses forholding a plurality of dental floss heads. It is also understood thatthe various modifications made to the rack shaft 14 apply equally torack shaft 140.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 the engagement and release of the grippablebase portion 3 and the shaft portion 4 is achieved via mating threads onthe grippable base portion 3 and the shaft portion 4. In themodification shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the grippable base portion 4comprises resiliently deformable mugs 15 for releasably engaging withcorresponding recesses 16 formed in the base portion 4 a of the shaftportion 4. Although not shown, it is understood that means forengagement and release of the removable insert 100 from the grippablebase portion 3 could also be achieved using but not limited to either ofthese methods.

FIGS. 13 to 22 show modification of fastening means for rotatablycoupling the arm 7 with the prongs 5.

In the modification of FIG. 13, a screw 17 is inserted through suitablysized and shaped bores 18 formed through each prong 5 and the arm 7.

FIG. 14 shows a pair of pins 19 provided at a pair of opposing outerfaces of the arm 7. The pins 19 are engageable with correspondingthrough bores 20 formed in the prongs 5. A slot 21 is formed between theinterior of the through bore 20 and outer surface of a prong 5transversely in relation to the bore 20, such that the pin 19 of the arm7 can access the through bore 20 laterally through the slot 21. Asuitable cap (not shown) is provided for placing over a free end of eachpin 19 for securing the pin 19 in engagement with the correspondingprong 5.

In the modification of FIG. 15, the fastening means comprises a keymember 22 provided at each of the opposing outer faces of the arm 7.Each key member 22 engages with a corresponding slot 23 formed in arotating receiver 24 rotatably mounted at the free end 5 a of each prong5 in a seat 25 defined by the material of the prong 5. Another slot 26is formed extending between the seat 25 and outer surface of the prong5. When the slot 23 of the receiver 24 is aligned with the slot 26 inthe prong 5, the key 22 can pass through the slot 26 into the slot 25 ofthe receiver 24. The keys 22 are mounted on the arm 7 in a transverseorientation with respect to the arm such that when the keys 22 engagewith the aligned slots 23 and 26, the arm 7 is positioned with respectto the handle unit 2 in a third position as shown in FIG. 15,intermediate the first and second positions of the arm 7. On rotation ofthe arm 7 from this intermediate position towards the first or thesecond position, the slots 23 of the receiver 24 misalign with the slots26 of the prongs 5 and thereby secure the arm 7 in the engagement withthe prongs 5 in any position of the arm 7 with respect to the prongs 5,other than the intermediate position of the arm 7.

In a further modification shown in FIGS. 16 to 22 the fastening meansfor coupling the arm 7 with the prongs 5 comprises a pair of projectingmembers 30 provided on each of the opposing outer faces of the arm 7intermediate the first and second ends 7 a and 7 b. Each of projectingmembers 30 seat into a U-shaped channel 31 provided on the free end 5 aof each prong 5. A tapered member 32 is formed on each of the opposinginner faces 5 b of prongs 5 extending towards the grippable base portion3 of the handle unit 2 such that the distance between the opposing innerfaces 5 b of prongs 5 diminishes from the free end 5 a of each prongtowards the grippable base portion 3 of the handle unit 2. The taperedmember 32 extends around U-shaped channel 31 such that the taperedmember also forms a U-shaped channel. The width of arm 7 increases fromeach end 7 a and 7 b to a maximum width at the portion 7 c of the armintermediate each end 7 a and 7 b where the projecting members 30 arepositioned. The width of the intermediate portion 7 c prevents the arm 7from fully entering the U-shaped channel 31 unless in the correctalignment.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 there is shown arm 7 beingbrought into engagement with handle portion 2. Projecting members 30 areengaged in U-shaped channel 31. When arm 7 is incorrectly aligned, theintermediate portion 7 c abuts tapered lip 32 a as the distance betweenthe opposing inner faces 5 b of prongs 5 diminishes. This preventsprojecting members 30 from moving further into the U-shaped channel 31as shown in FIG. 21. Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown arm 7correctly aligned whereby the intermediate portion 7 c inserts betweenthe arms 32 a of tapered member 32 surrounding the U-shaped channel 31thus allowing projecting members 30 to fully seat at the base of theU-shaped channel 31 (as shown in FIG. 18). The resilient force of thetapered member acting on the arm 7 provides a pressure fit that issufficient to retain the arm 7 in place during the use of the othertooth care attachment.

Although not shown from the drawings, the brush head 8 and the dentalfloss head 9 are releasably engaged with the arm 7 via a fasteningmeans. This enables a user to replace the tooth care attachment asdesired.

It will be understood that the preferred embodiment or embodiments ofthe present invention have been disclosed by way of example and thatother modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in theart without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A tooth care implement comprising: a handle unit comprising agrippable base portion and shaft portion extending therefrom, the shaftportion having a free end remote from the grippable base portion; and anarm having first and second ends, and a tooth care attachment mounted ateach end; the arm being pivotally coupled with the handle unit adjacentthe free end of the shaft portion such that the arm can be moved betweenfirst and second positions with respect to the shaft portion of thehandle unit, such that in the first position a portion of the armcontaining the first tooth care attachment extends away from the shaftportion of the handle unit such that the first tooth care attachment canbe used, and the remaining portion containing the second tooth careattachment is positioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit;and in the second position a portion of the arm containing the secondtooth care attachment extends away from the shaft portion of the handleunit such that the second tooth care attachment can be used, and theremaining portion containing the first tooth care attachment ispositioned adjacent the shaft portion of the handle unit.
 2. (canceled)3. The tooth care implement of claim 1, wherein the arm is pivotallycoupled with the handle unit at a location intermediate the first andsecond ends of the arm, such that the arm can pivot between the firstand second positions.
 4. The tooth care implement of claim 1, whereinthe handle unit defines a cavity for accommodating the portion of thearm positioned adjacent the handle unit together with the tooth careattachment attached thereto, such that said portion of the arm isrecessed with regard to outer surfaces of the handle unit therebyconcealing the unemployed tooth care attachment when the other toothcare attachment is in a ready to use position.
 5. The tooth careimplement of claim 1, wherein the shaft portion of the handle unitcomprises a pair of prongs, each prong having a free end, wherein thespace between a pair of opposing inner faces of the pair of prongsdefines a cavity for accommodating the portion of the arm positionedadjacent the handle unit together with the tooth care attachmentattached thereto, such that said portion of the arm is recessed withregard to outer surfaces of the handle unit thereby concealing theunemployed tooth care attachment when the other tooth care attachment isin a ready to use position.
 6. The tooth care implement of claim 1,wherein the handle unit comprises a lock means configured for releasablylocking the arm in the first or the second position with respect to thehandle unit.
 7. The tooth care implement of claim 1, wherein the arm iscoupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening meansprovided on the arm and on the handle unit.
 8. The tooth care implementof claim 1, wherein the arm is coupled with a pair of prongs provided onthe shaft portion of the handle unit via interengageable fasteningmeans, the fastening means comprising an axle selected from any one of ascrew, pin or rod, which is inserted through suitably sized and shapedbores formed through each prong and the arm.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The toothcare implement of claim 1, wherein the arm is coupled with the handleunit via interengageable fastening means provided on the arm and on thehandle unit, the fastening means comprising a pair of pins provided on apair of opposing outer faces of the arm, the pins being engageable withcorresponding through bores formed in a pair of prongs provided on theshaft portion of the handle unit, wherein a slot is formed between theinterior of the through bore and outer surface of a prong transverselyin relation to the bore, thereby defining a pair of resilientlydeformable flaps, such that the pin of the arm can access the throughbore laterally through the slot, and wherein a cap is provided forplacing over a free end of each pin for securing the pin in engagementwith the corresponding prong.
 11. The tooth_care implement of claim 1,wherein the arm is coupled with the handle unit via interengageablefastening means provided on the arm and on the handle unit, thefastening means comprising a pair of projecting members provided on apair of opposing outer faces of the arm, wherein the projecting membersseat at the base of a U-shaped channel formed at the free end of eachprong, wherein a tapered member is formed on each of the opposing innerfaces of each prong extending from the free end of each prong towardsthe grippable base portion such that the distance between the opposinginner faces of the prongs diminishes from the free end of each prong tothe grippable base portion, wherein the arm and tapered member arecomplimentary shaped such that the projecting members seat correctly atthe base of U-shaped channel when the arm and prongs are in correctalignment.
 12. The tooth care implement of claim 1, wherein the arm iscoupled with the handle unit via interengageable fastening meansprovided on the arm and on the handle unit, the fastening meanscomprising a key member provided at each of the opposing outer faces ofthe arm, wherein each key member is engageable with a corresponding slotformed in a rotating receiver rotatably mounted in a seat defined at thefree end of each prong, wherein another slot is formed extending betweenthe seat of the receiver and outer surface of the prong such that whenthe slot of the receiver is aligned with the slot in the prong, the keycan be engaged with the slot of the receiver by passing it through thesecond slot, wherein the keys are located on the arm in such orientationthat when the keys engage with the aligned slots in the prongs and inthe receiver, the arm is positioned with respect to the handle unit in athird position, intermediate the first and second positions of the arm,and wherein on rotation of the arm from this intermediate positiontowards the first or the second position, the slots of the receivermisalign with the slots of the prongs and thereby secure the arm in theengagement with the prongs in any position of the arm with respect tothe prongs, other than the intermediate position of the arm.
 13. Thetooth care implement of claim 1, wherein the arm is releasably securedto the handle unit via lock means provided on the arm and on the handleunit, the lock means comprising a catch arrangement configured forreleasably fastening the portion of the arm positioned adjacent thehandle unit.
 14. The tooth care implement of claim 1, wherein the arm isreleasably secured to the handle unit via lock means provided on the armand on the handle unit, the lock means comprising a catch arrangement inthe form of a snap fit and release mechanism comprising a resilientlydeformable member formed on each of the inner opposing faces of a pairof prongs provided on the shaft portion of the handle unit such thatwhen the arm enters the cavity the two resiliently deformable membersdeform and resiliently engage the arm thereby locking the arm withrespect to the handle unit.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The tooth care implementof claim 1, wherein the handle unit defines an internal chamber adaptedfor storage of one or more tooth care attachments.
 17. The tooth careimplement of claim 1, wherein the grippable base portion of the handleunit comprises a tubular wall and an internal chamber adapted forstorage of one or more tooth care attachments is defined by the tubularwall.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The tooth care implement of claim 1, whereinthe handle unit defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of oneor more tooth care attachments comprising a rack shaft extending alongthe internal chamber, the rack shaft comprising a plurality of positionsfor holding tooth care attachments.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The tooth careimplement of claim 1, wherein the handle unit defines an internalchamber adapted for storage of one or more tooth care attachmentscomprising a rack shaft extending along the internal chamber, the rackshaft comprising a plurality of positions for holding tooth careattachments, the rack shaft comprising a removable insert.
 22. The toothcare implement of claim 1, wherein the arm is releasably coupled withthe handle unit.
 23. The tooth care implement of claim 1, wherein eachof the first and second ends of the arm comprises a means for releasablyengaging with a tooth care attachment.
 24. The tooth care implement ofclaim 1, wherein the tooth care attachment at the first end of the armcomprises a tooth brush head and the tooth care attachment at the secondend of the arm comprises a disposable dental floss head.
 25. The toothcare implement of claim 1, wherein the tooth care attachment at thefirst end of the arm comprises a tooth brush head and the tooth careattachment at the second end of the arm comprises a disposable dentalfloss head, the dental floss head comprising a bracket member having alength of dental floss taught thereacross.
 26. (canceled)